Our DV Safe Phone Project - Sep call for Mobile Phones
RCM 2026 Spring Carnival Raffle
RIMERN: Latest News & Community Impact
VIC RESCA Treasurer Needed
Kieser Rotary Flyer
Gallery
NEXT MEETING
Rotary Central Melbourne meets at the RACV Club on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, at the Theatrette, Chancery Level, commencing at 7:40am.
FROM THE LAST MEETING – 18th August 2026 Guests: • Guest speaker – Janette Etherington – Interplast • Phillip Sexton (Neville John) • Kamy Arakala (Peter Duras) • Chris Milner (Jon Scheele)
Member Announcements
Neville John The two Bunnings BBQ fundraising events held during August raised a combined $3,400 toward project activities. The next BBQ dates are Port Melbourne – Sunday 6th September and Collingwood - Saturday 12th September.
Frank & Pauline O’Brien, Peter & Sue Duras, Rebecca & Neville John, Maureen Jackson and David Jones recently volunteered at Orygen in Parkville to help sort a donation of clothing provided to them by a corporate donor. Orygen generously shared some of those items for distribution to some of our charity partners.
Rohan Williams Rohan advised the Kieser CBD have offered to conduct an information session for members, family and friends at their offices at 538 Collins Street (enter via King Street), on Tuesday 8th September, in the evening. Please check details in the Bulletin and register your attendance via the QR Code.
Fleur Maidment Fleur announced that one if the ISC projects scheduled this year is the fit-out and equipping of three science laboratories at Gobindapur Ganga Devi Girl's High School, in conjunction with our sister club, Rotary Rabindra Sarobar in Kolkata. A frequent visitor to our club (soon to be a member), Prof. Dr. Kamalakar Arakala (Kamy) and his family has agreed to generously donate AUD$1,000 toward this project, which when completed, will allow girls to study science that was not otherwise accessible. The Rotary Foundation has also provisionally approved a matching grant of $2,500 toward the project.
Frank O’Brien The next Donations In Kind working Bee will be on Tuesday 22nd September between 9.00 am and 12.30 pm at the DIK Store, 400 Somerville Road, West Footscray.
Rhys Williams Rhys reported on the recent violent attacks in villages in Tonj North, South Sudan that resulted in many deaths and injuries. This area includes the village of RCM member, Mawien Ariik, who are in urgent need of basic items such as shelter, food, water and medical supplies. Donations are the best way to help. Ariik is providing access to the fundraising website of the NFP, South Sudanese Health Matters Inc https://southsudanesehealth.org/donate/ and will personally monitor and provide feedback in relation to how donated funds are expended and the impact that they have, Rhys will provide more information in the next Bulletin.
President’s Announcements President Paul advised that the RCM Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) comprises President, Vice President, President-Elect and President-Nominee, who provide strategic recommendations to the Board as and when requested. The SAG has put several recommendations to the RCM Board for their meeting tomorrow and Paul will advise the outcome at the next in-person meeting.
The next RIMERN working bee is Saturday 24th August. Anyone not already registered to volunteer and wishes to should contact Rohan Willams.
The next meeting is on Tuesday 1st September at the RACV with Anne Mitchell (Steps Outreach) as guest speaker. In closing, Paul reminded us that the Rotary theme this year is ‘Create Lasting Impact’.
Anne Mitchell: Steps Outreach Service and Rotary Central Melbourne working together for over 24 years.
This presentation will highlight the work of Steps Outreach Service, success stories about the recipients of the Scholarship program, and the support received from Rotary Central Melbourne for over 24 years.
Anne Mitchell is the manager of Steps Outreach Service. She has worked for Steps for the last 24 years, providing outreach and support to young people and families experiencing homelessness. Prior to this, Anne was a primary school teacher and Welfare Coordinator at a primary school. She has postgraduate qualifications in Student Welfare and Alcohol and Other Drugs.
Anne is passionate about supporting young people and families experiencing homelessness and disadvantage and helping them to have positive futures.
Steps Outreach Service is the youth homelessness program of Concern Australia. Since 1985, a Steps’ team of workers and volunteers has provided street outreach in the city at night-time to young people and families with children who are experiencing, have experienced, or are at risk of homelessness. This support is followed up during the daytime with holistic outreach and support. Steps’ workers and volunteers demonstrate to the young people that they believe in them and have hope for their future. They empower the young people to develop and work towards their goals and dreams.
This continuing project supports the DV Safe Phone National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children, with the objective to end gender based violence within one generation.
Our Club assists DV Safe Phone, a registered charity based in Mooloolaba, Queensland by collecting unwanted mobile phones which are then repaired and given to domestic violence survivors, through domestic violence and law enforcement agencies, safe houses and hospitals Australia wide.
We have had successful collections in 2024, 2025 and earlier this year. It is time for our next call for phone donations
We ask you to locate any unwanted mobile phones you or friend or work colleagues may have, and either:
bring them to our “in person” Rotary meetings in September 2026; or alternatively
contact Tom Callander (mobile 0418 332 019, email tcallander@rigbycooke.com.au) or Rebecca John (email beng1@iprimus.com.au) to arrange for drop off or collection; or
There is another simple choice – you can drop off your phone/s at the DV Safe Phone Collection Box in the TAL foyer, 500 Bourke Street, Melbourne (opposite the RACV).
DV Smart Phone will ensure your phone has been erased, but it is helpful that you sign out of your devices and erase your data the correct way to save time and give peace of mind. Tom can email you simple steps to do so if you need them – just ask.
As part of Foundation Month we are pleased to launch our 2026 Spring Carnival raffle. There are currently four raffle items to win and we can still accept new items if you have something to contribute.
This years major prize is 2 tickets to the members enclosure to this years Melbourne Cup valued at $790.
Tickets will be drawn on Friday 16th October at 9.00am and you can purchase them from Raffletix. If you aren't a horse racing fan but would still like to contribute go to Rotary Foundation Australia.
As we welcome the 2026–27 Rotary year, we’re celebrating our amazing RIMERN community—and five years of turning empty spaces into happy homes! In 2025/26, RIMERN helped 841 people, completed 499 homes and delivered 24,000+ essential homewares.
Over our first five years, we’ve donated more than $2.4 million in homewares and helped 2,815 vulnerable people make a fresh start.
In this issue, meet our volunteers, see some of the homes we’ve helped create, discover some amazing donations and meet our 5th Birthday keynote speaker, Sherri Bruinhout from Launch Housing.
Thank you to our 22 member Clubs, volunteers, donors, agencies, case workers and supporters—you make it all possible!
The weather may be chilly, but our drive to help more people is HOT!
Is this your next life-changing moment? Treasurer needed to support Victorian RESCA
Rotary Districts of Victoria Emergency Services Community Awards
Victoria RESCA is seeking a volunteer Treasurer to support the ongoing success of the Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards in Victoria. This important Rotary-led Multidistrict program recognises outstanding community service by paid and volunteer emergency services personnel across the state. Vic RESCA is now in its fourth year and enjoys the patronage of the Victorian Governor. You can find out more about Vic RESCA at vic.rescawards.org.au/
The ideal person will be a currently practising accounting or finance professional who is also a Rotarian from one of the Victorian Rotary districts: 9800, 9780, 9790 or 9815.
About the Role
The Treasurer will provide practical financial oversight for Victoria RESCA, including budgeting, financial reporting, payment coordination, record keeping and liaison with the organising committee. The role suits someone who enjoys clear processes, good governance and supporting a program with strong community impact.
We Are Looking for Someone Who
Is currently practising in accounting, financial management, audit, banking or a related finance field.
Is a Rotarian in District 9800, 9780, 9790 or 9815.
Can maintain accurate financial records and provide timely reports to the RESCA committee.
Understands sound governance, transparency and responsible stewardship of funds.
Is willing to work collaboratively with Rotary volunteers, sponsors and event organisers.
Why Get Involved?
This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute your professional skills to a respected Victorian Rotary program that honours emergency services personnel who go above and beyond in serving their communities.
Expression of Interest
Rotarians who meet the preferred criteria are invited to express interest by contacting the Victoria RESCA Chair Grant Hocking via email granthocking64@gmail.com Please include your Rotary club and district, current professional role, and a brief outline of your finance or accounting experience.
